‘This is pretty black and white’Meeting to discuss future of Repertory Theatre building

• Published date: 01 December 2022

Theatre restoration chairwoman Beverley Pearce said it had “good bones” but work needed to be done to preserve it

“We need a mandate from our members to continue and we’re looking for that mandate support from the performing sectors here in Whanganui and the community in general,” Pearce said.

“Do you want this theatre building to survive?”

It is owned by the Whanganui District Council, which is currently undertaking a business case for its restoration.

A conservation report on the Repertory Theatre was prepared by Drawingroom Architecture & Interiors and presented in December last year.

It stated that while the building had been “valiantly supported” by the Repertory Incorporated, it was a tired and dated facility that struggled to be fit for purpose.

When assessed against current standards, it fell short of meeting modern heating, hygiene, safety and comfort standards.

The report concluded that the theatre was a long-standing and valuable heritage and cultural asset to Whanganui, containing some areas of architectural heritage interest.

“We believe a restoration and revitalisation programme should be undertaken.”

Pearce said the business case would be built around four criteria — financial, artistic, relevance, and community. “We want feedback on all of those from the community.

“All the information we gather will be fed right back to the council, and we are hoping they come to the meeting as well.”

Council chief executive David Langford said there was no budget in its long-term plan (2021-2031) to restore the building.

However, it had committed to working with the theatre group in preparing the business case.

“That work has not yet started because it will be part of putting...